CHOBHAM’S MP has contacted the chairman of the Surrey Primary Care Trust amid fears the village doctor’s surgery is under threat.

Michael Gove has written to Douglas Robertson to express concern about the future of the Windsor Road practice after a number of residents complained they have found it difficult to make appointments.

Mr Gove said: “As I am sure you are aware, the potential closure of acute services across Surrey, which I wholeheartedly oppose, is expected to put additional strain on primary care providers, specifically on our GPs.

“With that in mind, I was very worried to hear from my constituents that it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure an appointment with our local GP.

“I have been informed the surgery has not been given the support necessary to provide an appropriate telephone answering and call management system to deal with the heavy demand for its services from a community with very many elderly residents.

“Many of those residents are also deeply concerned the practice, which covers both Chobham and West End, does not have sufficient resources to ensure Chobham enjoys the medical coverage that its population requires.

“There are real concerns the number of GP hours is not enough to cope with the demand and many, especially the elderly, are having to journey to West End for pressing treatment.

“In many cases, these older residents are not very mobile and the trip to West End is either expensive or requires them to ask neighbours for help.

“I would be grateful to be told what steps are being taken to improve the provision of primary care for my constituents.”But the practice manager of the Chobham surgery Stephen Brown disputed these claims.

Chobham parish councillor Ken Carter said in the past there had been rumours the practice would be closed and all the patients would have to go to West End but these were dismissed by a former practice manager.

Cllr Carter said he had not heard of any serious complaints from residents in recent times, adding: “Chobham has got the largest number of old people per capita compared to neighbouring villages and I think it is daft they should travel to West End.

“The elderly rely on public transport and I think the Chobham surgery should be more positive in catering for the elderly. We have got a doctor’s and a chemist side by side, that is a good start and we certainly don’t want to lose any service.”

Judi Trow, Chobham resident and Surrey Heath borough councillor, said it had become quite difficult to book an appointment recently but said it was normal at this time of year.

She added: “I had trouble getting an appointment last week but if you call at 8am on the day you should get one. “It is a busy surgery. They try not to keep people waiting and are helpful on the phone so I am surprised that Mr Gove has written the letter.”

West End resident Kerry Jackson complained it was also difficult to get an appointments at the West End surgery, which is linked to Chobham.

She said: “When you arrive you have to wait nearly an hour before you are seen. Something that should take 10 minutes takes ages.”

Windlesham residents have also written to the News and Mail complaining their doctor’s surgery has been closed since the floods of August 13.

The Updown Hill practice was severely damaged by floodwater and since then residents have had to use the Lightwater surgery while repairs are made.

A spokesman for Surrey Primary Care Trust said: “We are working as hard as possible to open the practice as soon as we can.”